WILLEMSTAD – The Public Schools Service (DOS) officially launched the 2026/2027 school year with its DOS DEN BALANSA 2026 (DOS in Balance) Opening Conference, bringing together approximately 900 education professionals for a day focused on personal development, connection and inspiration.
Under the theme “Mi ta Outéntiko” — “I Am Authentic” — the conference placed particular emphasis on the individual behind the education professional and the importance of personal growth in creating a strong learning environment.
Following the success of last year’s event, DOS deliberately selected Otrobanda once again as the setting for this year’s opening conference. The historic neighborhood served as an example of how a community can continue to develop and redefine itself through collaboration without losing the characteristics that make it unique.
The conference was officially opened at Johan Maurits School in the presence of Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Sithree van Heydoorn, DOS management, school administrators and other education professionals working within the public school system.
The opening ceremony emphasized the importance of investing not only in education itself, but also in the people responsible for delivering it every day.
This year’s theme, “Mi ta Outéntiko,” builds on the broader DOS DEN BALANSA philosophy of focusing on both people and educational content.
DOS encouraged teachers and other education professionals to reflect on their identities, talents, motivations and personal development. The underlying idea is that authentic education, in which children are given opportunities to develop their own talents, begins with educators who understand who they are, what they stand for and where they want to go.
During the morning, participants took part in one of nine different “Teacher Experiences.” Spread across 27 locations in Otrobanda, the program included workshops, practical assignments and a reflective walk.
The activities were designed to encourage personal reflection, interaction between colleagues, professional development and the exchange of experiences.
In the afternoon, participants gathered at three host schools: Johan Maurits School, SGO Dr. W.J. Goslinga School and SGO Jacques Ferrandi School.
There, they worked together on an interactive assignment titled “The Classroom of 2036.”
Participants were challenged to develop a shared vision of what the ideal Curaçao classroom should look like ten years from now. Ideas and insights gathered during the morning sessions were translated into concrete concepts for the future of education on the island.
DOS Director Nihayra Leona said the theme represents more than simply a slogan for the new school year.
“‘Mi ta Outéntiko’ is more than just a theme. It is an invitation to every education professional to make a difference by using their own strengths. When a teacher can be authentic, they create space for pupils and students to be themselves as well. That is the foundation of strong education,” Leona said.
According to DOS, the conference reflects its belief that investing in education begins with investing in the people who make a difference in classrooms every day.
With the opening conference completed, DOS says it is entering the new school year with a continued focus on connection, personal growth and high-quality education.